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Lax on Its List of ‘Bundlers,’ the Obama Campaign Names Names

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Lax on Its List of ‘Bundlers,’ the Obama Campaign Names Names

By Michael Luo July 10, 2008 11:01 pmJuly 10, 2008 11:01 pm

Senator Barack Obama’s campaign published the names of a whopping 181 new bundlers of campaign contributions this evening, adding to its existing list of 328 elite fund-raisers, after The New York Times made an inquiry earlier in the day about how complete the list was.

Reviewing records, The New York Times concluded dozens of members of Mr. Obama’s National Finance Committee, who commit to raising at least $250,000, were not on the list, which is supposed to identify anyone who has raised $50,000 or more. In interviews, several of the missing members said they began raising money for Mr. Obama in early to mid-2007 and already exceeded their $250,000 goal.

A group of watchdog organizations had issued a letter to Mr. Obama, as well as Mr. McCain, pushing for better disclosure of their top fund-raisers last month. It was the latest of several letters they have sent the candidates on the issue. In Mr. Obama’s case, they pointed out he had added just two new names to his list since November, despite his campaign bringing in $180 million during that time.

Mr. Obama first released a list of his bundlers early last year, but Mr. McCain only published his list in April. Since then, he has only added one name to his list.

A spokesman for the McCain campaign said it would be updating its list sometime in the next week.

The Obama campaign, however, moved much quicker after being questioned about it Thursday, acknowledging it had fallen behind in its plan to update the list quarterly.

For anyone wanting to find the list on its Web site, a guidebook might come in handy, because it is not the easiest to find on its vaunted Web site, full of nifty features and gizmos. Click on the “contact us” button in the lower right hand corner of the campaign’s home page. Then click on “Explore the Answer Center.”

The bundler list is question 118 out of 121, right after “Can I mail you cash?”

What is a bundler? Do they bundle contribution all together from others who they are they are able to influence to donate money. Or do they put money in others names ie children employees, relatives and friends who may not have 4500 to donate.

To #7 –“Who Cares?”
Everyone should care, because yes, large campaign contributions have everything to do with foregin policy, gas prices, the housing crash, and every other issue.
Money talks, and the political positions of donors will therefore have a very loud voice.
A candidate can say he doesn’t accept money from “lobbyists”, but big donors often lobby by hobby.
Wake up to reality, American voters!!!

After spending a year in Egypt, and not being able to walk around unaccompanied by a man for fear of my safety (and for cultural propriety), I returned to America with a newfound appreciation for all the things people like you take for granted. By not voting in your country’s general election, you not only spit in the face of a country which gives you more freedoms than many in the world, but also all the citizens of nations who just recently gave them the right to vote (or, who only recently have attempted to clean up their corrupt elections).

Someone will win whether you vote or not. But you’re a disgrace to your country if you sit around, whining about the lack of democracy.

to #20:
I agree with you entirely that the right to vote is a luxury. Indeed we are lucky in this country.

However, that luxury gives us many choices, and carries an individual responsibility. If, by election day, I do not feel comfortable enough to cast my vote for either candidate, I will not vote. I do not want to be responsible for the actions of someone I don’t trust or believe in. I consider not casting a vote a voice of dissent.
And that freedom is eqaully part of the right to vote.

Bundlers? Bundlers? And you complain when the issues aren’t discussed at the Ny Times! Bundlers? And you post their names? What is this Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible.” Next up a list of possible socialists? How about a list of gays in the military?

Ah, the names may change, but the game is the same. Buy access and perhaps a cushy job as ambassador. Influence policy. Money talks, and Obama has plenty of that (money and talk). Obviously, Obama also has lots of debts. Only the debts Obama owes are not the type that are repaid with campaign contributions.

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